God Is Beautiful
For many years (a phrase which seems to introduce almost everything I say or write these days), I have thought about and preached on the subject of the beauty of God. I have never heard anyone teach on the subject, but I did through the decades come across two written sermons on the topic, “The Beauty of the Lord” by J. D. Jones and “Are There Shortcuts to the Beauty of Holiness?” (the short answer is “No!”) by A. W. Tozer. More recently, I read a review of a scholarly article about the American preacher Jonathan Edwards (of “sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” fame) that mentioned in passing that the beauty of God was one of the great themes in his preaching. I was thus encouraged that I have not headed off on an unprofitable tangent. In simple terms, beauty is that which attracts, causes a favorable interest, and creates an affinity. Such real, eternal beauty is found in our God. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
In Psalm 110:2, David, the monarch of melody, rejoices in the ruling beauty of the Messiah, Jesus Christ: “The LORD shall send the rod of Thy strength out of Zion: rule Thou in the midst of Thine enemies.” As Jesus was being unjustly tried before the Jewish leaders, He spoke of His reign. In Matthew 26:64, He said, “Thou hast said: nevertheless, I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” The leaders then accused Him of blasphemy and condemned Him to death. The sad irony was lost on these men; the reign of Jesus is just, whereas the decision of these dictatorial despots was desperately despicable. Think of the person that you believe to be the best leader in history (hint: the only correct answer is Abraham Lincoln). Consider the best traits of that leader, characteristics such as fairness, vision, integrity, and common sense (which is uncommonly uncommon today). Look at what is absent from this leader’s actions: appreciate the lack of hubris, venality, and pettiness. Then look to Jesus, and marvel that everything that is wrong is entirely absent in Him and His leadership; look to Jesus, and see every possible positive attribute portrayed infinitely and eternally. The contrast with bad leaders is overwhelming – really, absolute. The contrast with good leaders, who are finite and flawed, is also obvious and powerful. The beauty of Jesus is clearly seen in His most attractive reign.